Brian Davis' decision to call a penalty on himself - at the cost of $1million - proves there is still integrity in golf, according to his coach.

The Londoner, who is the son-inlaw of former England goalkeeper Ray Clemence, gave up his chance of winning the Verizon Heritage after admitting his club had touched a reed on his back swing.

Regarded as a loose impediment, he was penalised two shots to allow American Jim Furyk to take the title from the World No.170, who has never won on the US PGA Tour.

But Davis' coach Gary Evans claimed his actions had restored faith in the honesty of the game after the Tiger Woods scandal. He said: "It is appropriate that at a time when the game has been dragged through the mud by the actions of certain individuals, that Brian's behaviour proves the game's ethos is still intact. I feel gutted for the guy but incredibly proud.

"It could have cost him $1m (£650,000) in prize money and bonuses but it has never been about the money for Brian. He won't give the loss of money a second thought. He wanted to win so badly because he wants to prove himself playing on possibly the strongest tour in the world against the world's best players."

Davis, 35, said: "If I had thought I hadn't committed an infraction then I wouldn't have called it.

"I knew about the rule. When we looked at it, I didn't think it was an issue. I thought the hole would be over the top of it.

"And obviously when I took the club away, I took it lower and just grazed the thing."

He added: "Of course I want to win a PGA Tour event more than anything but I play by the rules and no victory would be worthwhile if it had a cloud hanging over it.

"I saw the grass move, called the official over and that's it, end of story. I am proud to uphold the values my parents taught me and I teach my kids the same stuff. Be honest in your sport and in your life and simply do your best."

Furyk said: "It's just awkward to see it happen at such a key moment. Awkward for him to lose that way, and a little awkward for me to win.

"To have the tournament end that way is definitely not the way I wanted to win. It's obviously a tough loss for him and I respect and admire what he did."

Furyk earned $1,026,000m (£671,000), finally tasting victory at Harbour Town after posting two seconds and a fourth since 2005.